Hispanic Studies - BA (Hons)

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world – outside Spain, it is the official language of all countries in South and Central America except Brazil, and is widespread in many parts of North America.

Overview

The programme at Kent gives you the opportunity to explore the languages and cultures of Spain and Spanish America while developing your language skills. You can study Hispanic Studies at Kent whether you have an A level or GCSE in Spanish, or whether you are a beginner or have some experience of the language.

The programme offers some unique features. You have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country and we offer advanced language modules focusing on translation and interpreting – valuable skills when looking for employment.

As from the 2017/18 academic year, Hispanic Studies will also include the Catalan language as a compulsory part of the programme, so you will begin to learn the Catalan from your second year.

Our facilities include multimedia laboratories, which offer a variety of interactive language learning programmes and dictionaries, and access to audio, video and computer-assisted language learning facilities.

Independent rankings

Iberian Languages at Kent was ranked 1st for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2018 and 6th overall in The Times Good University Guide 2018.

In the National Student Survey 2017, over 94% of final-year students in Hispanic Studies were satisfied with the overall quality of their course. Iberian Studies at Kent was ranked 9th for overall satisfaction.

For graduate prospects, Iberian Languages at Kent was ranked 1st in The Times Good University Guide 2018 and 6th in The Complete University Guide 2018. Modern Languages at Kent was ranked 5th in The Guardian University Guide 2018.

Teaching Excellence Framework

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

Stage 1

Modules may include

Credits

LS300 - Spanish Lower Intermediate B1

This module is for Post-A-level students and students who have mastered level A2 but not yet B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). On successfully completing the module students will have mastered level B1. The emphasis in this course is on furthering knowledge of the structure of the language, as well as vocabulary and cultural insights, while further developing the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

This is an intensive module for absolute beginners, Post-GCSE students and students who have not yet mastered level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). On successfully completing the module students will have mastered level A2. The emphasis in this course is on acquiring a sound knowledge of the structure of the language as well as basic vocabulary and cultural insights while developing the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

The module is a core course which aims to provide students with a general understanding of the development of the Spain, the Spanish American nations, and their cultures, in order to establish the general historical and cultural framework which underpins all other modules in the BA programmes. The key periods covered are:

The module is a core course which aims to provide students with a general understanding of the development of the Spain, the Spanish American nations, and their cultures, in order to establish the general historical and cultural framework which underpins all other modules in the BA programmes. The key periods covered are:

This module will introduce students to a wide range of films produced in different European and Latin American countries between the late 1980s and the present day. The module will focus on prevailing trends and dominant themes in contemporary European and Hispanic cinemas. The aim is to make students aware of the place which cinema has played and continues to play in the cultural life of Europe and Latin America, its importance in establishing national and supra-national identity, and the ways in which international relations are expressed through film production.

The module will begin with an overview of European and Latin American cinema, and then will be divided into geographically determined sections (Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Mexico) before being brought together again in the final conclusive lecture. The course is also designed to provide students with basic film terminology, as well as with basic tools for cultural analysis.

This module is intended for students who have attained the equivalent of an 'A' Level pass in Spanish or who have taken LS302 Intensive Learning Spanish 1 (Beginners). The main aims of the module are to consolidate and expand knowledge of the grammar and structure of the language, and to promote a high level of skill in speaking, listening, reading and writing. A secondary aim is to increase awareness of the history and culture of Spain and Spanish America, through the study of appropriate texts. Regular written work will be required throughout the year.

This module is intended for students who have attained a level of proficiency in Spanish equivalent to at least that of first year undergraduates. The main aim is to develop communicative skills with much of the emphasis being placed on speaking and listening but also involving a fair amount of writing. It will focus on the ability to operate in a variety of registers and respond adequately to different styles of discourse. There are four one-hour contact hours each week: two language seminars, one language lab class and one conversation class.

This module aims to explore the theme of identity in Spain with regard to the personal development of the individual, the assumed social roles of men and women, their sense of relevance within the world which they inhabit, and their reflection and expression through literature. This will be achieved through the study of the cultural evolution of individual and collective identity in Spanish society and of its particular manifestations in the Spanish literary context. A selection of texts both by men and by women from all genres will be studied and as will relevant literary criticism. The module will be structured around two main purposes: To provide a general introduction to the concept of identity and its specific manifestations. To analyse a range of literary works which will act as a test bed for the application of this background knowledge to specific reactions of the men and women of Spain.

This module aims to provide an introduction to Catalan culture and to place it in the wider context of Spain and Europe. To this purpose students will be exploring different aspects of Catalan life and history, to include the language, the arts and the relationship between the Catalan-speaking lands and the rest of the state. The result of this exploration will be used as the basis for an analysis of the distinctive traits of Catalan culture. A selection of texts and audio-visual material will be studied and so will relevant criticism.

This module will cover aspects of contemporary Spanish history and culture with specific focus on post-1975 filmic production but in the wider context of pre- and post-Franco society, history and politics. Students will become familiar with important issues such as national stereotypes, gender and sexuality, social transformations, as well as relevant concepts in Film Studies such as cinematic genre, spectatorship, and representation. While the module will focus to some extent on the individual voice of each of the directors, it will to analyse how their work represents major currents of development in Spanish cinema, both in relation to form and content.

Stage 2 students write an Extended Essay on a topic of their own choice. The topic must be on a Hispanic (Peninsular or Latin American) literary, linguistic or cultural subject; it is expected that the topic will be related to other Hispanic Studies modules taken by the student. Throughout the terms students are given guidance by a chosen supervisor. The supervisor and the student will establish a calendar of meetings / supervisions in Week 1 (at least 5 one-hour meetings) in which aims and objectives, critical approach, bibliography and drafts of the Extended Essay will be discussed.

This module explores the different ways in which Spain and Latin American countries have attempted to make transitions from dictatorship to democracy. The course provides an overview of the political, social and cultural developments in Spain and Latin America after conditions of dictatorship, from 1975 onwards in the case of Spain and from the 1980s and 1990s in the case of specific Latin American countries (Chile, Argentina and Peru, among others). The course takes a comparative and interdisciplinary approach by combining history, literature, film, journalism and comics. The chosen texts provide an insight into the political, social and cultural attitudes of post-dictatorship societies as well as into the changing role and conditions of cultural production in post-dictatorial democracies. Issues such as historical trauma and historical memory, forgetting and collective memory, and justice and truth commissions cut across the module.

This module introduces the student to four key Latin American poets, (two of whom were Nobel prize-winners, one of whom is contemporary), representing different periods and different approaches to poetry. The course takes account of the relationships between poetry and the social, political and cultural context from which it emerges, while also allowing for discussion of particular critical and aesthetic issues relevant to poetry. Topics covered would include ultraísmo and the avant-garde, politically committed poetry, gender issues, negrismo, mulatismo, the particularities in the use of style and rhyme in Spanish verse, and the critical terms used in the discussion of poetry, both in Spanish and English.

Year abroad

Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability.

All Hispanic Studies BA students are required to spend a Year Abroad between Stages 2 and 3. You are expected to adhere to any academic progression requirements in Stage 2 to proceed to the Year Abroad. If the requirement is not met, you may have to postpone your Year Abroad.

The Year Abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not count towards your final degree classification. You spend the year working as an English language assistant or in approved employment, or studying at one of our partner universities. For a full list of our partner universities, please visit Go Abroad.

Modules may include

Credits

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Students either study at a relevant foreign university or work (either as teaching assistants or in some other approved capacity).

Stage 3

Modules may include

Credits

LS506 - Spanish Advanced C1

The module develops advanced proficiency in writing, speaking and comprehending Spanish. It concentrates on translation into Spanish and English and the development of analytical skills in the production of written and spoken Spanish. Translation exercises confront students with a variety of advanced texts in different styles and registers, and encourage accuracy and critical reflection as well as acquisition and consolidation of grammatical structures. The language skills component combines discursive writing on advanced topics with the development of proper oral competence through discussion. Conversation classes with a native speaker develop presentational ability, and enable students to speak fluently and idiomatically at the advanced level.

Students engage in the following activities throughout the year:

 translation (language mediation) from Spanish into English, using a range of registers and topics.

 translation (language mediation) from English into Spanish, using journalistic and literary texts amongst others.

 study of the grammatical and lexical subtleties of the Spanish language.

The module aims to develop students' language skills in Portuguese (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to an advanced level of ability and help them gain further insight into aspects of the culture and society of the Portuguese-speaking countries. They will consolidate their knowledge of tenses in the indicative and the subjunctive and learn to use more complex sentences and structures as well as idioms and expressions. They will be working with longer texts from a range of media, including lectures, TV news and current affair programmes and films, and short literary texts.

The module aims to develop students' language skills in Portuguese (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to a higher advanced level of ability and help them gain further insight into aspects of the culture and society of the Portuguese-speaking countries. They will learn to use more complex sentences and structures such as the passive voice and compound sentences and will further expand their vocabulary. By the end of this module they will be expected to understand in more detail a variety of texts from a range of genres, from the media, including TV programmes and films, and short literature texts.

Key grammatical structures and cultural background will be taught through the means of purpose designed Portuguese language course books, video and audio materials. Students will also have access to these materials and Portuguese television channels for self-study in the media lab.

Key grammatical structures and cultural background will be taught through the means of purpose designed Portuguese language course books, video and audio materials. Students will also have access to these materials and Portuguese television channels for self-study in the media lab.

This module will take a close look at the figure of the "monster" in Iberian culture, ranging from medieval considerations of the monster in medieval bestiaries to eighteenth-century medical treatises of monstrous forms to twentieth-century depictions of monsters. The module will focus on the historical context out of which a particular meaning of the monster emerges. In order to do so, the course will draw on high and popular culture, a variety of disciplines, and a variety of media (literature, prints, paintings, films). Discussions will be supplemented with relevant historical, critical and theoretical readings. The monster in this course will be an interpretative model for an understanding of how notions such as "normalcy", "beauty", the "classical body" are constructed and will enable us to look at issues of otherness, gender, and race. Drawing on theoretical approaches to literary and visual representations, it aims to raise questions around concepts such as the gaze, power and identity.

The module investigates a variety of films and texts produced by Cubans both in Cuba and in exile from the time of the Revolution to the present day. In analysing these texts, an impression will emerge of how different writers and artists respond to the powerful presence of the revolutionary regime and to the pressures inherent within that system. Textual analysis will run parallel to an investigation of the history and politics of the revolutionary period, highlighting key moments and issues that become decisive elements within the texts.

This module introduces the student to four key Latin American poets, (two of whom were Nobel prize-winners, one of whom is contemporary), representing different periods and different approaches to poetry. The course takes account of the relationships between poetry and the social, political and cultural context from which it emerges, while also allowing for discussion of particular critical and aesthetic issues relevant to poetry. Topics covered would include ultraísmo and the avant-garde, politically committed poetry, gender issues, negrismo, mulatismo, the particularities in the use of style and rhyme in Spanish verse, and the critical terms used in the discussion of poetry, both in Spanish and English.

Final year students write a dissertation on a topic of their own choice. The topic must be on a Hispanic (Peninsular or Latin American) literary, linguistic or cultural subject; it is expected that the topic will be related to other Hispanic Studies modules taken by the student. Throughout the two terms students are given guidance by a chosen supervisor. The supervisor and the student will establish a calendar of meetings / supervisions in Week 1 in which aims and objectives, critical approach, bibliography and drafts of the dissertation will be discussed.

This module examines the contemporary practice of nation branding, in which cultural and territorial assets are mobilised for various economic and political ends, both within and outside the nation's borders. Strategic articulations of national identity allow Latin American nations to compete in global marketplaces, attract foreign investment and rally citizens, but also provoke and expose complex power struggles over the symbolic resources of the nation. Drawing on key concepts such as neoliberalism, globalisation, coloniality and hard/soft power, students on this module will consider how Latin American nations are imagined, sold and consumed as a brand in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Through the analysis of a broad range of cultural expressions, from photography and reggaeton music videos to literature and street art, the module also allows an exploration of some the conflicts that result from branding.

The student will spend one half-day per week for ten weeks in a school. Students will work in a school, with a nominated teacher, for ten half days during the Spring Term and will have the opportunity to promote their subject in a variety of ways. The Course Convenor will place students in appropriate schools, either primary or secondary. They will observe sessions taught by their designated teacher and possibly other teachers. They will act to some extent in the role of a teaching assistant, by helping individual pupils who are having difficulties or by working with small groups. They may take 'hotspots': brief sessions with the whole class where they explain a language topic or talk about aspects of University life. They must keep a weekly journal reflecting on their activities at their designated school. The university sessions and weekly school work will complement each other. Therefore, attendance to university sessions is crucial as it will also give the students the opportunity to discuss aspects related to their weekly placement and receive guidance.

Some travel may be required by students taking this module. In this instance, it should be noted that the University is unable to cover the cost of any such journey.

Teaching and assessment

All Spanish language modules involve three hours teaching each week, with the exception of the beginners’ language modules at Stages 1 and 2 which involve four hours. They include small group seminars, conversation classes run by a native speaker, short lectures in Spanish, work in a language laboratory and work on computer-assisted language learning materials. The culture and literature modules normally involve a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar each week.

Stage 1 is assessed by 100% coursework (essays, class participation) in some modules, and a 50:50 combination of coursework and examination in others. Stage 2/3: depending on the modules you select, assessment varies from 100% coursework (extended essays), to a combination of examination and coursework, in the ratio 60:40 or 80:20.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

provide a sound grounding in the Spanish language in all its aspects, through extensive reading in Spanish and through the use of Spanish as a spoken and written medium

provide a good working knowledge of another Hispanic language (ie Catalan)

provide you with the opportunity to spend half or a full academic year in Spain in most cases as an exchange student at a Spanish university, or as a language assistant in a Spanish school

develop a critical awareness of the broad canon of Hispanic cultures and societies from the 16th century to the 21st century

develop a specialist knowledge of a range of areas within the broad canon of Hispanic studies

train you in the field of translation from and into Spanish

provide a gateway to related thematic studies comprising various bodies of knowledge and methodological approaches

provide teaching which is informed by current research and scholarship

provide a means of access to intercultural awareness and understanding

provide opportunities for the development of personal, communication, research and other key skills appropriate for graduate employment both in industry and in the public sector

develop general critical, analytical and problem-solving skills which can be applied in a wide range of situations.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

the Spanish language

a second Hispanic language

Iberian literature and cultures from the 16th to the 21st centuries

Latin-American literature and cultures from the 16th to the 21st centuries

Iberian and Latin-American history

critical and cultural theory.

Intellectual skills

You develop the following intellectual skills:

academic study and enquiry

the ability to evaluate information critically

the ability to synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject

the ability to use problem-solving and communication skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) for the coherent expression and transfer of knowledge

analysis, evaluation and interpretation of a variety of texts and other cultural products in a critical manner

the ability to study and reach conclusions independently

organisation and presentation of ideas within the framework of a structured and reasoned argument.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in how to:

communicate effectively in Spanish and another Iberian language for a range of purposes and audiences

develop language skills in these three related areas:reception (listening and reading)production (speaking and writing); and mediation between at least two languages (translation and interpreting)

demonstrate detailed knowledge and effective understanding of the various structures and registers of Peninsular and American Spanish and another Iberian language

translate accurately and efficiently into and from the target language

Transferable skills

communicating effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means

evaluating your own academic performance

using problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations

accurate and effective note-taking and summarising skills

library and bibliographical research

using techniques for using language source materials in two Hispanic languages

taking responsibility for personal and professional learning and development

time management and prioritising workloads, thinking and performing under pressure

teamworking

leadership

creative and flexible working

information technology.

Careers

Recent graduates have gone into teaching, translating and interpreting, marketing, journalism, publishing, and other areas. Many language graduates begin their career abroad.

The ability to speak another European language is a key asset in the global employment market, and many employers view a graduate with overseas study experience as more employable.

Entry requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.

It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis.

If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 15 at HL, including 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a second language

Meet our staff in your country

English Language Requirements

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.

General additional costs

Funding

University funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.

Government funding

You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.

Scholarships

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

For 2018/19 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.

The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.

The Key Information Set (KIS) data is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme.

Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.

The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Full details of our terms and conditions can be found at: www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions.

*Where fees are regulated (such as by the Department for Education or Research Council UK) permitted increases are normally inflationary and the University therefore reserves the right to increase tuition fees by inflation (RPI excluding mortgage interest payments) as permitted by law or Government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. If we intend to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, we will let you know by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right.

If, in the future, the increases to regulated fees permitted by law or Government policy exceed the rate of inflation, we reserve the right to increase fees to the maximum permitted level. If we intend to exercise this extended right to increase tuition fees, we will let you know by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right.